West Ham United today welcomed two new members to the club's board - the partner and eldest son of co-owner David Sullivan.
The two members of Sullivan's immediate family were listed as newly-appointed directors by Companies House on Monday, a matter of hours before the Hammers face non-league Stockport County in the FA Cup third round.Embed from Getty Images
Co-owner Sullivan pictured with partner Benton-Hughes at the opening game of the 2020/21 season
Co-owner Sullivan pictured with partner Benton-Hughes at the opening game of the 2020/21 season
71-year-old co-owner Sullivan, who has experienced health issues in recent years has long insisted that the youngest of his two sons, Jack, would eventually succeed him as owner of the club.
The 20-year-old has been cutting his teeth as Managing Director of West Ham United Women and has appeared in two series of a BBC-produced documentary series chronicling his development in the role.
Jack has spent the last three years at the helm of the WFC, since when the club has stabilised itself as part of the Women's Super League.
A year ago this week it was rumoured he was set to become the club's new Director of Football after he spent time working with football agent Will Salthouse of Unique Sports Management.
Despite being groomed for the role as a future owner it is instead Jack's brother David, the eldest of Sullivan's sons who has been been granted the opportunity to join the board of the main club first.
David Jnr was previously touted as a potential successor to his father but had distanced himself from football in recent years after some much-publicised issues with social media involving West Ham United supporters.
Perhaps more surprising however is the appointment of Sullivan's partner and Jack's mother Emma Benton-Hughes. Although a regular companion of Sullivan's at first team matches, like her son she has no previous history of being involved with football administration.
Confirmation of the two new appointments
The board of directors at West Ham United is now comprised of the following personnel:
David Sullivan (Co-Chair)
David Gold (Co-Chair)
Karren Brady (Vice Chair)
Andy Mollett (Chief Financial Officer)
Tara Warren (Executive Director)
WHU LLC/Trip Smith (Non-Executive Director)
Daniel Harris (Non-Executive Director)
David Sullivan Jnr (Director)
Emma Benton-Hughes (Director)
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